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The Founding Fathers, Slavery and Black Patriotism Author Roger Wilkins notes that many founding fathers were slave owners, a fact that affects the patriotism of African-Americans today. Wilkins argues it was the slaves with their labor who allowed men such as Thomas Jefferson and George Washington the freedom to become statesmen.
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The Founding Fathers, Slavery and Black Patriotism

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The Founding Fathers, Slavery and Black Patriotism

The Founding Fathers, Slavery and Black Patriotism

Heard on Morning Edition

The Founding Fathers, Slavery and Black Patriotism

Listen · 6:39
  • Download
  • <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/1125367/125367" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player">

Author Roger Wilkins notes that many founding fathers were slave owners, a fact that affects the patriotism of African-Americans today. Wilkins argues it was the slaves with their labor who allowed men such as Thomas Jefferson and George Washington the freedom to become statesmen.

Commentary

thumbnail
Special Series

A George Washington Birthday Celebration

The first president of the United States was born Feb. 22, 1732. The rest is history.